There is so much of you hiding
beneath “Never minds” and scattered shrugs
and I don’t know why.
because knowing you is a privilege
more people deserve to have.
you’ve said that you’re ugly since the age of seven
and maybe it’s my fault you believe so but
that just makes me hate myself
and I don't want to do that anymore.
so listen to this:

I love looking at you in the mornings
because you look more like a man every time
yet your eyes are still tender in mine.
It makes me sad that you can’t sing the girl parts
of “Lucky” with me anymore
but your raspy new voice
fits so perfectly into the crevices between
your bedroom wall and mine
you are the only person I know
who can whistle every part of Bohemian Rhapsody
at the same time
And don’t lose the way you push your glasses
up your sun kissed nose or the way
your face becomes a picture of pure delight
whenever you see a plane
Keep making spaghetti every saturday night
even if it is just for yourself
never stop ordering your favorite Subway sandwich:
double pepperoni, ham, cheese and just a little mustard,
even if you become a vegetarian
because sometimes you’ll need the taste of
home in your mouth.
I understand if you never want
to do the things I have done
but let me help you carve the path you imagine
Don’t worry if you don’t have the highest grades
Being kind is so much more important
than being smart
so smile often and make mistakes with pride
And remember that some people
are plain a**holes
don’t let their words manipulate your face.
But most of all, always
whistle with the joy
of being you.